-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba confirmed his switch to China 's Shanghai Shenhua on Wednesday , a move which will reunite him with former Chelsea teammate Nicolas Anelka .

Drogba announced he would leave Chelsea days after scoring the penalty which beat Bayern Munich in last month 's European Champions League final , and the 34-year-old has signed a two-year deal to become the Chinese Super League 's latest high-profile star .

The two-time African footballer of the year will reportedly be paid Â # 200,000 -LRB- $ 315,000 -RRB- a week , which would make him China 's highest-paid player .

`` I have considered all the offers I have received in the past few weeks , but feel that Shanghai Shenhua FC is the right move for me at this time , '' said Drogba in a statement released through his representatives .

`` I am looking forward to a new challenge , to experiencing a new culture , and I 'm excited about the new developments in the Chinese Super League .

`` I hope to help promote Chinese football around the world and further improve the links between China and Africa . ''

Former France international Anelka made the move from Stamford Bridge to Shanghai in January and even had a brief spell as the team 's coach following Jean Tigana 's exit in April .

Former Argentina coach Sergio Batista is now in charge of the team , and he is looking forward to working with former Marseille star Drogba .

`` Drogba is a very good soccer player , his outstanding skills and amazing experience will give us motivation to improve our games , '' said Argentina 's 1986 World Cup winner .

`` It is my honor to invite him to join in our team . At last I have to say that the club owner Zhu Jun did his utmost to bring Drogba to Shenhua . ''

Shanghai is currently 12th in the league , with only three wins all season . But Shenhua owner Zhu is confident Drogba can have a positive impact on results as he seeks his first title since taking over in 2007 -- and the club 's first since 2003 .

Drogba scored 157 goals for Chelsea in his eight seasons at the club , winning three English Premier League titles , four FA Cups and two League Cups as well as the London club 's long-awaited first European crown .

`` We have been wanting to sign Didier for a while , and are very happy that it has finally happened , '' said Zhu .

`` He is an incredible player , who has won so many trophies in his career , we feel that his experience and ability will be a very valuable asset to our squad .

`` Shanghai is one of the most influential cities in the world , and we are very excited to welcome Didier here . ''

Drogba and Anelka are two of a number of soccer stars to have joined China 's premier football competition .

Italy 's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi is now in charge at Guangzhou Evergrande , an ambitious club who in the last year have signed Argentine Dario Conca and Paraguay 's Lucas Barrios .

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Didier Drogba signs a two-year deal with China 's Shanghai Shenhua

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The Ivory Coast striker announced he would leave Chelsea last month

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Drogba scored the penalty which won Chelsea the European Champions League

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The 34-year-old will be reunited with former Chelsea teammate Nicolas Anelka